AIBA Cancells Forum in Italy Due To Coronavirus

Scheduled for February 29th in Assisi, Italy AIBA European Forum 2020 is cancelled due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). This decision was taken by AIBA leadership in the best interests of the delegates.

“The coronavirus outbreak in Italy worsened and Italy has by far the highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe. Moreover, Italy has imposed strict quarantine restrictions in some regions which could last for weeks. Based on these sad circumstances, we are left with no option but to cancel the EUBC Forum, which was scheduled to take place on February 29th in Assisi”, said AIBA Interim President Dr Mohamed Moustahsane.

Mohamed Moustahsane, AIBA Interim President

At the same time AIBA plans to organise the meeting in 2020 when situation in Europe becomes better.

“I hope you and your families stay healthy and that the coronavirus will be eradicated soon. Your health is our priority and we will do this forum when the circumstances are better”, addressed Dr Moustahsane to National Federations.

Ghana Rugby Launches #EachforEqual Women’s Day Competition

The Ghana Rugby Football Union (Ghana Rugby) will once again embrace International Women’s Day in 2020, this time with a competition whereby all the ladies of Ghana rugby or from anywhere in the world will be invited to take part.

The International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual. The organisation describes this year’s theme as follows on their website http://bit.ly/3a8RuXR.

“Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue.

Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious – so what’s not great about that?

The race is on for the gender equal boardroom, a gender equal government, gender equal media coverage, gender equal workplaces, gender equal sports coverage, more gender equality in health and wealth … so let’s make it happen. Let’s be #EachforEqual.”

The President of Ghana Rugby, Mr Herbert Mensah, has placed “Women in Ghana Rugby” high on his and his administration’s agenda since he took office on 5 June 2014.

“I am convinced that Ghana’s rugby ladies are going to become a major force on the world stage of rugby in the foreseeable future. In 2019 our Ghana Eagles sevens women surprised the rugby world by winning the Rugby Africa Challenge Trophy in Tunisia in their very first appearance in an international match. We are ready to build on that success-platform,” Mensah said.

Mensah also said that Ghana Rugby will play its first women’s fifteens matches in March 2020 between teams from CentWest and Greater Accra and that he is convinced that the Ghana Fifteens Women’s Eagles will surprise the Africa rugby world when it enters the Rugby Africa women’s fifteens tournament in 2021.

Ms Rafatu Inusah, Board Member and Women’s Representative of Ghana Rugby, said that ‘#EachforEqual’ has been her mantra from the day when she was tasked to drive Women in Ghana Rugby.

“With the support from our President and Board Chairman women’s rugby has blossomed and we are ready to show the world that we can match the men’s performance and indeed better on it!” Inusah said.

Ghana Rugby Launches #EachforEqual Women’s Day Competition

Inusah also showed the Ghana Rugby ladies the way on how to enter the fun competition to celebrate Women’s Day in 2020.

To enter the competition a lady, young or old, must hold a rugby ball in the fashion she demonstrates and say the words, “#EachforEqual”. The short clip can then be sent to Ghana Rugby via a competition entry form that can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/2uvBq3g.

An independent panel of judges will adjudicate the entries and award three prizes to the value of GHS 1,000, GHS 500 and GHS 250 for the best three entries.

Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria Repositions To Develop Nigerian Football

Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria, FIAN, European Football Agents Association, EFAA Congress, Reviewing proposed FIFA regulatory laws,The Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria (FIAN) has revealed plans to help the development of Nigerian football. This newly found zeal came on the background of its participation at the European Football Agents Association’s (EFAA) Congress held 13th February,2020, at Zurich, Switzerland.

The EFAA congress was a gathering of elite European football agents, including top executives of national associations of major football powers of England, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and other affiliate associations representing the interests of over 2000 professional agents from 18 countries, across the world.

The congress deliberated and adopted motions on enhancing the economic viability and professional conducts of associate intermediaries. And with special emphasis of the congress on resisting recent FIFA’s policy direction at restricting the role and financial rights of intermediaries at the local and international football sectors.

Reviewing some of the proposed FIFA regulatory laws on the conference floor, the FIAN delegation which comprised of Jideofor Obidike, Hilary Elezie, Michael China and Oyeyemi Taiwo Joshua, spoke in unison with other international participants to unanimously resist the proposed capping of Intermediaries’ Commission at 3% by the apex football authority; stopping of dual representation, and recertification of all Intermediaries registered after 2015.

Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria Repositions To Develop Nigerian Football

According to the Public Relations Officer of FIAN, Kelvin Irikefe, the body is buoyed by renewed collaborations and synergy with EFAA President, Ron Jansen and the executives, as well as other affiliate associations.

Irikefe remarked that FIAN will be deploying the experience garnered from the conference to bear on its vision aimed at improving and sanitising the football intermediary sector from rogue operators soiling the body’s image.
He went onto restate the desires of FIAN to continue to work in harmony with Nigeria Football Federation and other concerned stakeholders to develop the Nigerian football industry.

Akeem Busari

Tiyamiu Kazeem Death: NANPF Appreciates Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Soname’s Roles

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers( NANPF), has sent a ‘thank you’ message to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his prompt intervention and roles to douse tension in the state on the aftermath of the unfortunate killing of Remo Stars footballer, Tiyamiu Kazeem by security officers.

The message contained in a statement signed by the General Secretary of NANPF, Comrade Austin Popo, it described the quick intervention and concern of the state governor on the matter as ‘fatherly’.

“We are delighted to note that the amiable Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun after intervening to ensure that peace and justice prevail on the matter, also paid a condolence visit to the family home of the late player. That is, indeed, humane and very kind of him,” Popo stated.

The late Tiyamiu Kazeem

“On behalf of the President of NANPF, Tijani Babangida, MON, the entire members of the union and particularly, the family of the deceased player, we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the President of Remo Stars FC, Hon. Kunle Soname, for the supportive roles he has played so far on the matter,” he added.

Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers add Billy Baptist and Ahmed Hamdy to their Basketball Africa League roster

Three-time league champions Rivers Hoopers have secured the signature of American Billy Baptist and Egyptian Ahmed Hamdy Mohamed.

Baptist spent his 2013/2014 season in the NBA Developmental League for the Bakersfield Jam. He appeared in 42 games for the Jam and averaged 7.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 1.2 APG.

Billy Baptist
photo credit: Rivers Hoopers

The 32 year old small forward moved on to London Lightning in Canada where he averaged 5.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG and 1.5 APG.

Baptist, an undrafted pick in the 2011 NBA Draft has also played for Baxi Manresa and Unicaja Malaga in Spain, Merlins Crailsheim in Germany and Keflavik in Iceland.

Meanwhile, Mohamed averaged 16.2 PPG, and 10 RPG while shooting 54.5 percent from the field as a freshman at Lee College in Baytown, Texas in the 2014/2015 season.

The 26 year old power forward was one of nine Egyptian-born players on an NCAA team, seven of whom played an NCAA Division 1 team.

Ahmed Hamdy
photo credit: Rivers Hoopers

Mohamed also averaged 5.9 PPG and 3.8 RPG while shooting 47.7 percent as a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and helped the Rams as they are fondly called to a 26-9 record as he played in 33 of 34 games and nine starts in the 2016/2017 season.

The 6’9” Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness graduate at VCU had a wonderful senior season a year later averaging 5.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG and 13.2 minutes per game.

Billy Baptist
photo credit: Rivers Hoopers

Both players join Kaylon Tappin whom the KingsMen signed on Tuesday to the Hoopers’ roster for the Basketball Africa League.

Ikpea Bemoans Spate Of Deaths in Nigerian Football

The late Tiyamiu Kazeem

The National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea has lamented the recent spate of deaths in the Nigerian football community.

Speaking with journalists in his office in Lagos, Ikpea, described the deaths of Remo Stars player, Tiyamiu Kazeem, who was killed by security officers and that of former Golden Eaglets assistant and Kano Pillars coach, Kabiru Baleria, who died Tuesday after a brief illness, as one death too many.

Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea,

The boss of the foremost supporters club in Nigeria, while acknowledging that death is inevitable, however, admonished security officers and members of the public on the needs to be mindful on the safety of lives and properties.

” The NFSC regrets this spate of deaths. And we pray that God will grant the families and friends of the deceased, the strength and fortitude to bear these losses,” the businessman cum football enthusiast said.

” We agree that death is an inevitable end. However, lives shouldn’t be taken or lost carelessly. This period in our football life calls for prayers and sober reflections. May this dark clouds pass away, forever,” the clergyman intoned emotionally.

Akeem Busari

Tiyamiu Kazeem death: Nigeria Players Union Suspends Protest March

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has suspended its planned protest march slated for Abuja over the alleged killing of Remo Stars FC defender and vice captain, Tiyamiu Kazeem by security officers.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary of NANPF, Comrade Austin Popo, informing its state councils, NAC, members and the general public, it stated that the union reached the decision to temporarily suspend the protest march after due consultations with relevant bodies, as well as the compelling conditions of the matter.

The statement read; “Following preliminary dialogues between the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers led by its President Tijani Babangida MON, and and SA to the NFF President on Security, Chikelue Iloenyosi, a trustee of the union, and C P Umar Garuba Baba (Interpol), S A to IG on Public Policy and Strategies, Jude Nwaukor, coupled with the public outcry on the killing of Kazeem, leading to the subsequent intervention of the Inspector General of Police, M A, Adamu and his timely instructions to the DIG (FCID) Anthony Ogbizi, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Kazeem, NANP’s President Babangida has requested for a temporary suspension of the planned Protest mass Rally scheduled to hold in Abuja on 2nd of March 2020.

Tiyamiu Kazeem

It further reads; “It is important to note that part of the reasons the Union initiated the proposed mass protest rally, was to draw the attention of the IG due to the orchestrated plans by the Ogun State Police Command to cover the truth of the incidents that led to the unfortunate death of Kazeem.

“In view of this latest developments and coupled with the underground moves by some unscrupulous elements to hijack the planned rally, and of course, with its negative consequences of endangering the lives of our players, stakeholders and members of the public who had volunteered to be part of the Rally, the union had to take the best decision for now to temporally suspend the protest march, while still monitoring developments.”

Conclusively, the union acknowledges the unflinching commitments of its members, solidarity supports it has continued to enjoy by stakeholders in the football community, as well as members of the public, in its relentless efforts to engender a better life during and after active careers for Nigerian footballers, home and diaspora.

Qatar on track to welcome the world with just 1,000 days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2022™

* Two out of eight stadiums have been delivered; three more scheduled to open this year
* Infrastructure being developed also includes roads, new metro lines and airport expansion
* FIFA Club World Cup 2019 and 2020 as key operational tests

In exactly 1,000 days, the world will gather again for the biggest football show on Earth – in the most unique setting yet. The compact nature of the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world will ensure that fans of all 32 teams are always within reach of the eight stunning stadiums, the FIFA Fan Fest™, some world-class museums, Qatar’s desert dunes and, most importantly, each other.

While the eagerly awaited tournament might still feel a long way off for fans, 136 out of 900 qualifying matches have already been played, and the tournament infrastructure can be seen rapidly evolving in and around Doha. Two stadiums are fully operational: Khalifa International and Al Janoub. Three more venues – Education City, Al Rayyan and Al Bayt – will be inaugurated this year, with the remaining three set to be launched well in advance of the tournament.

Brand-new metro lines have also been delivered and successfully transported over 50,000 fans across three games during the FIFA Club World Cup™. New roads and training sites are being completed, the airport expanded and permanent and temporary accommodation will be delivered with the aim of coping with demand while also considering post-event use.

“With 1,000 days to go, Qatar stands where no other host did before. Qatar wants to amaze the world and is on track to achieve it,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be a breakthrough from a social and cultural perspective. It will open the doors of this football-mad region, offering a new perspective to locals and foreigners, bringing people together and serving as a tool for common understanding.”

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), added: “Ten years of our lives, day in, day out, have been dedicated to this tournament. Personally, I can only look forward with excitement, as well as some nerves, but more importantly, conviction that this will be – without a doubt – the best tournament. We are determined to ensure that the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world will set a benchmark in the history of hosting major sporting events.”

When it comes to tournament preparations, Qatar and FIFA have been scrutinising the lessons learned from the FIFA Club World Cup, held in December last year, and which will return to the country later in 2020. According to the local authorities, the tournament brought over 50,000 international fans into the country. The event’s official fan zone welcomed 43,000 visitors over the course of the tournament.

“Test events give us a great opportunity to assess new stadiums, work with authorities, integrate and train the teams. That all provides us with an important insight into planning for the World Cup. And as we move closer, planning becomes more operational. The joint venture team we have in Qatar is increasing in size, several teams have already visited Qatar to inspect training facilities, and we are bringing stakeholders closer – our Commercial Affiliates were in Doha last year, and the main broadcasters earlier this year,” said FIFA’s Chief Tournaments & Events Officer and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22) Managing Director, Colin Smith.

“With all our infrastructure projects on track, one of our key priorities now is to shape the fan experience in 2022. We are determined to host a tournament which is welcoming to all and family-friendly, and one that shows our country and region in the most positive light. We learned a lot from the Club World Cup across every functional area and will apply the lessons learned in the 2020 edition and in our 2022 planning,” assured the Chief Executive Officer of the Q22, Nasser Al Khater.

For more information on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, visit FIFA.com/WorldCup . The recently launched event’s Sustainability Strategy is also available here .

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League: Gulliksen Posts Career-Defining Victory in Gothenburg

Norwegian veteran steals all the limelight in dramatic final WEL qualifier

Norway’s Geir Gulliksen posted the first World Cup victory of his long and successful career in the thrilling 14th and last qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League (WEL) in Gothenburg, Sweden today where he pinned young Swiss star Bryan Balsiger into second place and French Olympic gold medallist, Kevin Staut, into third.

But, not satisfied with having stolen the show with the ride of his life on his brave little gelding VDL Groep Quatro, Gulliksen added even more drama when taking a tumble from the horse during the prizegiving.

“I feel fine actually – except for my arse! I wouldn’t change anything that happened today. This crowd – of all the shows in the whole world there is no crowd like this. Even to fall off it doesn’t matter, I couldn’t be happier. This is definitely the highlight of my career!”

Geir Gulliksen (NOR)

said the 60-year-old rider afterwards.

The result saw him rocket up to 10th place in the WEL rankings so he’s now well-qualified for the much-anticipated Longines 2020 Final in Las Vegas, USA next April where current league leader, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, will defend his title for the fourth time. A total of 18 riders from the Western European League, apart from the defending champion, have now booked their tickets to the showdown in the Nevada desert, and Balsiger claimed his spot by moving into 15th place while Staut was already guaranteed a place, finishing fourth on the final leaderboard after a great run over the winter months.

The contours of the Scandinavium Arena always ensures a strong challenge, and today was no exception as only five of the 32 starters found the key to Peter Lundstrom’s tough 14-fence first-round track. The spectators groaned loudest when their own Henrik von Eckermann (Peter Pan) and Peder Fredricson (H&M Christian K) made it all the way to the very last fence only to pick up a fault there, but their long-time hero Rolf-Goran Bengtsson saved the day when making the cut with the big grey, Cassilano Jmen.

He was first to go against the clock with this relatively new ride and left the door open with two fences on the floor in 48.52 seconds. Gulliksen was next into the ring, and his little 14-year-old gelding gave him everything he had to come home clear in 45.75 seconds to put it up to the remaining three.

Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts looked set to knock the Norwegian off his pedestal until H&M Legend of Love hit the first element of the double halfway around the new track, and Staut looked really threatening with the super-fast For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC who raced home in the quickest time of 44.51 seconds but lowered the vertical third fence along the way.

Now only Balsiger could stop Gulliksen from taking the win, and this talented 22-year-old who won the opening leg of the series in Oslo last October made no mistake, bringing the 13-year-old mare Twenytwo Des Biches home in 46.45 seconds which slotted him into second place. It would a glorious day for Gulliksen, and despite his sore bottom he was in flying form during the post-competition press conference.

LONGINES FEI WORLD CUP JUMPING Geir Gulliksen – Vdl Groep Quatro NOR photo FEI Satu Pirinen

“I’ve been coming to this show for 27 or 28 years and I always hoped for a day like this!” he said. And he talked about the courageous little VDL Groep Quatro who carried him to glory this evening.

“I bought him from (Dutch rider) Mikael van de Vleuten and I think no one thought he would jump like he jumped today…..

“He doesn’t have all the scope but he is so athletic and he believes he’s just as good as any other horse! There was no place on the course today where I thought he would struggle – he just makes it happen. He’s a bit like a pony, and he never stops – he amazes me more and more!”

Geir Gulliksen (NOR)

2022 Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships Set To Take Place in India

A Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships is set to take place in India in 2022 after a proposal to stage the event was approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board.

The event will be held in Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, and is scheduled to be staged in January 2022.

It adds to a hugely exciting year for Commonwealth Sport, with Birmingham set to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games from 27 July – 7 August 2022.

The decision confirmed that Chandigarh 2022 and Birmingham 2022 will be two separately organised and funded Commonwealth Sport events.

One week following the Closing Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the CGF shall issue a medal table that includes results from the Chandigarh 2022 Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships, as a further and final legitimate ranking of competing nations and territories from the respective competitions.

The CGF Executive Board approved the proposal at their meeting in London which took place on February 21-23; and highlighted the opportunity for this innovative model to promote and encourage the development and hosting of sport throughout the Commonwealth.

The proposal from Commonwealth Games India (CGI), which was supported by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the Government of India, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and World Archery, was also considered and discussed with Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Partners prior to the CGF Executive Board decision.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “I am delighted that we have approved India’s ambitious proposal to host a Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships in Chandigarh during 2022.

“Commonwealth archery and shooting athletes now have an unprecedented opportunity to compete in an elite event that will showcase the very best of Commonwealth Sport and add value to the Commonwealth Sports Movement.

“The CGF would like to thank the CGI, the NRAI, the Government of India and the entire sporting community of India on the significant efforts they have taken to submit an innovative proposal with the ambition of strengthening Commonwealth Sport.

“I would like to give particular thanks to CGI President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Kiren Rijiju and NRAI President Raninder Singh for their leadership across this proposal.”

2022 Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships Set To Take Place in India

CGI President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “We are very pleased that our proposal was considered by the Federation and look forward to continuing to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships is a resounding success for the Commonwealth Sports Movement.

“Our proposal provides more opportunities for Commonwealth athletes to compete on the world stage, and we look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth’s best shooters and archers to Chandigarh in 2022.

“Team India looks forward to competing at Chandigarh 2022 and Birmingham 2022, and discussing further how we promote closer ties with India and its athletes and the wider Commonwealth sport community.”

The CGF Executive Board also saw key updates on the Trinbago 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

There were further updates on the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid Process, with a Host City set to be announced later this year.

The next CGF Board meeting is scheduled to take place in June 2020 in Birmingham.